The Speaker is a self-aware, masculine individual who recognizes that others project their desires onto him. He presents a smooth and tolerant exterior but questions whether he is genuinely trusty and faithful. Instead of accepting the admiration of others, he challenges the fantasies of those who seek to make him their friend, lover, or leader. He remains grounded in the reality of his own flaws rather than playing a heroic part.

The Stranger is an unnamed individual seeking connection, friendship, or romantic involvement with the speaker. Characterized as a dreamer, this person lives in a world of illusion, projecting a vision of perfection onto the speaker. They search for a real heroic man to provide unalloyed satisfaction but fail to look beyond superficial appearances.